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Job Description for Intelligence Officer

Intelligence officers are typically hired by governments, usually by defense or intelligence-gathering departments; however, private contractors hired by the government may also employ these professionals. Intelligence officers often spend much of their time doing office work and analysis, spending comparatively little time in the field. Intelligence officers are frequently distinguished from field operatives or agents in that they are not necessarily specifically charged with gathering sensitive data and intelligence. While that may be something an intelligence officer is asked to do, they are more typically responsible for performing analysis, looking for patterns in large data fields, and examining, categorizing, and organizing collected information. Intelligence officers are expected to be able to think clearly and quickly when needed, but also also be able to conduct long and intensive investigations. Additionally, they are expected to keep secure all information and intelligence-gathering methodologies.

To work as an intelligence officer, a person typically needs a strong educational background in disciplines that involve statistics, mathematics, and matters related to criminal law or international affairs. While the formal education requirements are flexible (and in some cases do not require university education), many intelligence officers are likely to have at least some graduate school education. Prospective intelligence officers should expect an involved application process that includes a deep background check and interviews with references in the course of earning security clearance. Officers are typically hired from internal personnel with experience in the field of intelligence and sensitive data gathering, as the security clearances necessary for the position.

Intelligence Officer Tasks

Control collection operations and interviews.

Coordinate and participate in various counterintelligence investigations, operations and production.

Collect intelligence using a variety of surveillance and reconnaissance techniques.

Collect and analyze imagery using photogrammetry and terrain analysis.